The SBAR (situation-background-assessment-recommendation) method is commonly used to ensure high-quality communication between clinicians in acute situations. However, this study found that use of SBAR did not improve recall of critical communications during handover from the operating room to the postanesthesia care unit.

This study reports on the development of an assessment tool for surgical morbidity and mortality conferences based on the SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) communication protocol.

Journal Article > Study

The authors analyzed more than 80 communication breakdowns identified in a past review of surgical malpractice claims. The breakdowns took place with similar frequency in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative periods, and more than 70% involved a single communication failure. Attending surgeons were most commonly a part of the breakdowns, while ambiguity in the communicated roles and responsibilities contributed to more than half the events overall. Based on the findings, the authors developed a series of triggers that would prompt a direct communication with the attending surgeon. In addition, the authors advocate for greater use of structured protocols to address handoffs and transfers in care, times at which communication is critical and errors common.